Synopses & Reviews
Beautiful Sorcha is the courageous young woman who risked all to save her family from a wicked curse and whose love shattered generations of hate and bridged two cultures. It was by her sacrifice that the spell was broken and her brothers were finally brought home to Sevenwaters. But not all her brothers were able to escape the spell that transformed them into swans, and even those who did were more-and less-than they were before the change.
It is left to Sorcha's daughter, Liadan, to fulfill the destiny of the Sevenwaters clan. Beloved child and dutiful daughter, she embarks on a journey that opens her eyes to the wonders of the world around her . . . and shows her just how hard-won was the peace that there are forces far darker than anyone could have guessed and ancient powers conspiring to destroy this family's peace-and their world.
She will need all of her strength to stand up to those she loves best, for in the finding of her own true love, Liadan's course may doom them all . . . or may be their salvation.
Review
"Ever wondered what happens next in your favorite fairy tale? Juliet Marillier provides a beautifully wrought answer. . . . The exquisite poetry of the story is carefully balanced with strong characterizations and more than a nod to Irish mythology."-
Romantic Times"A fine new fantasy writer."-Anne McCaffrey
Review
"Ever wondered what happens next in your favorite fairy tale? Juliet Marillier provides a beautifully wrought answer. . . . The exquisite poetry of the story is carefully balanced with strong characterizations and more than a nod to Irish mythology."-
Romantic Times"A fine new fantasy writer."-Anne McCaffrey
Synopsis
Son of the Shadows, the second book in Juliet Marillier's award-winning Sevenwaters Trilogy
Beautiful Sorcha is the courageous young woman who risked all to save her family from a wicked curse and whose love shattered generations of hate and bridged two cultures. It was by her sacrifice that the spell was broken and her brothers were finally brought home to Sevenwaters. But not all her brothers were able to escape the spell that transformed them into swans, and even those who did were more-and less-than they were before the change.
It is left to Sorcha's daughter, Liadan, to fulfill the destiny of the Sevenwaters clan. Beloved child and dutiful daughter, she embarks on a journey that opens her eyes to the wonders of the world around her . . . and shows her just how hard-won was the peace that there are forces far darker than anyone could have guessed and ancient powers conspiring to destroy this family's peace--and their world.
She will need all of her strength to stand up to those she loves best, for in the finding of her own true love, Liadan's course may doom them all . . . or may be their salvation.
About the Author
Juliet Marillier was born in Dunedin, New Zealand, a town with strong Scottish roots. She currently lives in a rural area of Western Australia, sharing her house with a cat and a dog. A university graduate in music and languages, she has had a varied career that includes working for government agencies, opera singing, and raising four children. Juliet now writes full time. Her lifelong interest in myth, legend, folklore and traditional music is a strong influence on both style and theme in her writing. A passion for early British history, reflecting her Celtic ancestry, is evident in her choice of settings.
Juliet Marillier achieved international recognition in 1999 with the publication of her award-winning novel Daughter of the Forest. This is the first book of the Sevenwaters Trilogy, a historical fantasy set in Ireland and Britain in the ninth century, and is loosely based on the traditional fairy tale, The Six Swans. The second book in the series, Son of the Shadows, won the 2000 Aurealis Award for best fantasy novel. Child of the Prophecy completes this trilogy.
Juliet Marillier's second series is based on the first Viking voyage from Norway to Orkney, and weaves history and folklore into a saga of adventure, romance and magic. The series is made up of two novels, Wolfskin and Foxmask. Juliet is currently working on a new trilogy set in the north of Britain in the time of the Picts.
Juliet is a member of the druid order OBOD and of the Australian Greens Party, reflecting her commitment to environmental causes.
Reading Group Guide
Questions for Discussion
1. The relationships between the sexes is a prominent theme throughout the book. Discuss how the following characters relate to the opposite sex: Eamonn; Niamh; Iubdan; the Uí Néill; and Bran, both before and after meeting Liadan.
2. Appearances are often deceiving in Son of the Shadows. Which characters are most unlike what they appear to be? How do the outward appearances of such characters as Bran and Niamh influence the story?
3. Before Liadans arrival among them, the Painted Mans band of fighters lived by a rugged warriors code, preferring to die rather than survive a grievous wound with a body left unable to fight. How does Liadan change this perspective? Does her influence strengthen or weaken the group?
4. Storytelling is featured throughout the book, as a means of imparting wisdom, giving strength and hope, and offering a safe way to challenge or criticize the status quo. What impact does Liadans storytelling have on the mercenary band? Why does Bran allow her to continue spinning her tales?
5. Lies play a critical role in the story, with such characters as Niamh, Ciarán, and Bran having had their lives shattered and savagely reformed by lies or half-truths. Yet, even such a noble character as Liadan uses deception to achieve a greater good. What is the author saying about Truth? Is there a difference between an outright lie and the truth withheld?
6. Of the many looming conflicts in the book—military, religious, and familial—which is potentially the most damaging to the people of Sevenwaters? Discuss the pitfalls of each, and suggest ways you might have handled each conflict.
7. While the qualities of sacrifice, courage, and perseverance characterized the first book in the Sevenwaters Trilogy, Daughter of the Forest, what are the overarching themes of Son of the Shadows?
8. Has the portrayal of the Fair Folk changed from the first book in the trilogy? How? What might the author be trying to say about the old beliefs? How is the coming of Christianity treated in the book? Could this story be told from a Christian perspective?